WINNING TIP Ludwigsburg Antiques-Mile, near Stuttgart, Germany
The annual fair in this charming town sells everything from tiny Bavarian hedgehog brooches – made from acorns and fluff – to six-foot Chinese vases, along with local delicacies such as schupfnudeln (delicious potato noodles). If you tire of the crowds, and are a lover of baroque, Ludwigsburg Residential Palace is a must.
29-30 September, ludwigsburg.de
Pippy1985
UK
The Georgian Rooms, Bridlington, East Yorkshire
The Georgian Rooms are very special.On the well-preserved high street of the old town, this is a treasure trove of fascinating pieces, mostly antiques, with some vintage clothing, garden ironmongery, furniture, photographs and a wonderful tea room on the ground floor, serving home made homemade cakes and lunches. The owner collects items from far and wide and has a keen interest in the unusual. We picked up some Frank Meadow Sutcliffe photographs, pretty art nouveau crockery, and silverware, all reasonably priced. The garden has several rooms and sheds with interesting outdoor objects, restored furniture and follies.
thegeorgianroomsbridlington.webeden.co.uk
kris1
Newark Antiques Fair, Winthorpe, Nottinghamshire
Claims to be the biggest antiques fair in Europe, and the size has to be seen to be believed! It makes for an interesting day out and takes place a few times each year (next one is 12-13 April).
iacf.co.uk/newark
erinhuckle
Portobello Road, west London
So many visitors to Portobello Road miss the wonderful antiques stalls in the rambling arcades. So go early – 8am on a Saturday – and enjoy the opportunity to talk unhurriedly to the experts, then buy some beautiful, unusual presents. At 10am, stop for coffee and freshly baked cakes at Books for Cooks (booksforcooks.com) and leave the road to the growing throng.
portobelloroad.co.uk
Snagglepuss1956
Broad Street, Leominster
This small market town in Herefordshire is a gem for antiques. Try Broad Street for Teagowns and Textiles, a lovely vintage shop with a great selection of clothing, as well as table linen, and the Leominster Antique Market, a treasure chest on three floors, where small rooms are let out to individual traders. They have vast amounts of pottery and china. Corn Square is home to The Merchants House, which is more expensive but definitely worth a look.
leominster.co.uk
missmarple0512
The Style Fair Vintage and Preloved Events, across Northern Ireland
The home of the Style Fair is Belfast but the fair travels to various locations across Northern Ireland. Each event has around 30 stalls packed with top-quality, premium-brand preloved clothing, as well as exciting garments from top vintage dealers. The perfect place to bag a bargain at a fraction of the original price. Some fairs specialise in Style for the Home and some have exclusive handcrafted items from local designers. Each venue is always different and has other features, including style makeovers and beauty advice from professionals. It is a great place to go with friends for a fun and rewarding shopping experience.
thestylefair.co.uk
Beverwee
France
Antiques market, Aix-en-Provence
The brocante market in Aix is held on a wide boulevard shaded with trees and surrounded by flower displays. The locals set out stalls under brightly coloured umbrellas – wander from one to another, enjoying coffee and pastries at cafes along the way. There is an eclectic mix of antiques, from extravagant chandeliers and jewels to dusty books and agricultural ironwork. The market has a lovely, relaxed air; visitors can soak up the sunshine and chatter of the locals while searching for a little piece of treasure.
Place de Verdun: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday (aixenprovencetourism.com)
jaynemoobs
Allées Jules Guesde, central Toulouse
This brocante market sells all sorts of antique French tableware, including stunning linen and lace, as well as homeware and furniture, alongside old posters and adverts on old, weather-beaten enamel panels. There are food stalls at either end, and the Natural History Museum is just next door.
Allées Jules Guesde, metro station Carnes: first Friday, Saturday and Sunday of each month
missmarple0512
Antiques market, Nantes
A huge car park that magically becomes a market overnight. Step out, as we did, from the hotel door and there it is: stalls and stalls of French history waiting to be persuedperused. It´ll It takes some time, so allow the whole morning and preferably have plenty of space in the car.
en.nantes-tourisme.com
Andaluciaforholidays
Austria
Naschmarkt, Vienna
This mixture of Austrian traditions, antique dealers, flea market and food stalls is located near two beautiful art deco houses built by Jugendstil architect Otto Wagner and dates back to the 16th century. You will find antique dealers selling everything from old postcards, books, porcelain, Austrian glassware, gramophones dating back to the early 1900s and old dolls, to vintage clothes, bric-a-brac, exotic goods and curios. The market has a very vibrant atmosphere, and is a mix of Austrians locals and tourists. By the end of the day, stallholders lower their prices considerably, and near closing time some items are free.
6 Wienzeile, U-bahn stations Kettenbrückengasse and Karlsplatz: flea market 6am-4pm on Saturday; (wienernaschmarkt.eu)
ninnytendo
